Stars Agree To Terms With Neal & Niskanen

Frisco, Tex. – Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the NHL club has agreed to terms with left wing James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen each to two-year contracts. Neal’s contract averages $2.875 million per year ($2.25 million + $3.5 million) while Niskanen’s deal averages $1.5 million ($1.25 million + $1.75 million).

Neal, 23, is entering his third year in the NHL. He appeared in 78 games for the Stars last season, scoring 27 goals and 28 assists for 55 points. The 27 goals ranked second on Dallas while his 55 points ranked third. Neal became the first Stars rookie to score 20-or-more goals since the team moved to Texas when he scored 24 in 2008-09.

Niskanen

Niskanen, 23, is entering his fourth year in the NHL. He appeared in 74 games for the Stars last year, scoring three goals and 12 assists for 15 points. Niskanen led all Stars defensemen in scoring in 2008-09 with six goals and 29 assists for 35 points.

The Stars open up their 2010 Training Camp this weekend in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The team will host its first pre-season game this Tuesday, Sept. 21, vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning at American Airlines Center.